A study was conducted to analyze and describe faculty usage of the Georgia Center for Continuing Education at the University of Georgia and to determine the usefulness of using focus groups in such research. Focus group methods and survey questionnaires were used during a series of five dinner discussion sessions with a total of 31 participants representing 13 academic units at the university. Among the more significant findings was that the participants have generally positive feelings about their experience at the Georgia Center. They find the staff professional, the facilities accommodating, and the service provided valuable. Although the ability of the Georgia Center to serve very diverse continuing education needs was perceived as a valuable dimension, rising costs and increasing bureaucratic complexity were perceived as barriers to continued service to a wide range of conference offerings. Participants suggested the opportunity for ongoing, formalized interchange as a means of strengthening the relationship between the faculty and the Georgia Center for Continuing Education. The study concluded that focus groups are an excellent tool for organizations to use to listen to their clients. (KC)

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